BBC Countryfile star's two-word response after expert's emotional admission

Countryfile's John Craven was visibly taken aback in Sunday's show when an expert revealed a distressing fact about dormice in winter.

In the recent episode, John paid a visit to Westonbirt, the national arboretum, located in Gloucestershire, and took a nostalgic look back at autumnal features from across Britain in the Countryfile archives.

John reminisced about his 2016 trip to Briddlesford Woods to witness the conservation efforts for dormice. He shared: "Over my years on Countryfile, I've tried many times to film dormice but they are so tiny, so elusive, I almost gave up hope! But then, on a trip to the Isle of Wight in 2016, I had a real treat."

While showing clips from that visit, John pointed out that although dormouse populations have plummeted by a third, there remains a glimmer of hope for these charming animals on the Isle of Wight, reports .

During his encounter with Ian White, Dormouse Officer from the People's Trust for Endangered Species, at Briddlesford Woods, it was clear they were battling on the front lines to save dormice.

During the meeting, Ian confessed a grim reality, revealing: "40 to 70% of dormice won't survive over the winter." The statistic clearly shocked John, who responded in two words: "Goodness me!" before adding: "That's a shocking percentage isn't it?" and Ian concurred: "It's certainly the biggest killer of dormice in this country is winter survival!"

Ian and his crew are lending a hand to dormice by trailblazing an aerial highway for them, helping their movement from tree to tree, while cameras keep a watchful eye on the creatures.

John is one of the most beloved broadcasters on British TV, best known for presenting shows Newsround, Countryfile and Beat the Brain.

However, fans of the 84-year-old who had hoped to see him showcase his personality on reality shows will be disappointed as he has revealed his other half's stance against participating in shows like and I’m A Celeb.

Married for decades, John and his wife Marilyn have nurtured a strong partnership, bringing up two children together and choosing to keep their family life distinctly private.

Nonetheless, John hasn't shied away from discussing the pillars of his marital success, notably their collaboration in steering his career decisions.

In an unearthed interview, Craven expressed his appreciation of his wife, saying: "We've always worked as a team and I've been so grateful to her for her ideas and opinions. We decided I wasn't going to do things I might later regret, like Strictly or the jungle."

Countryfile continues on Sundays on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.